Is It Really Okay To Dream?

Before each keynote, I’d promptly scurry to my cushioned seat, cross my fingers and wait for the raffle drawing.

At this local women’s conference, the gift bag team prayerfully assembled themed collections of treasures to both treat and incentivize attendees to return–punctually–to the keynotes. There were garden bags, spa bags, jewelry bags…

One in particular grabbed me and initiated an internal wrestling.

The Dreams Bag.

Dreams, I thought. Me? Am I even allowed to dream? Isn’t dreaming selfish?

My train of thought continued. God created me with a plan-His plan, and it’s my job to obey. Where is the room for dreaming in that?

Nope, no dreaming for me. They must have gotten the concept for this gift bag wrong.

I secretly hoped that I wouldn’t win that dreaming bag. And I didn’t-or any other bag.

But the questions remained: What is this dreaming business all about? Isn’t it just a frivolous pursuit?

If you’re reading here at God-sized Dreams, then you already know that God answered those questions, untangling the knots of my own misunderstanding.

Yes, dreaming IS for me! Not only am I allowed to dream, but God created dreaming in my spirit for a reason-as His way of pointing me to the “more” He has for me in this life. No, they are not selfish, frivolous dreams, like winning the lottery.

The God-sized dreams He planted in me are as unique to me as everything else about me, such as my love of words, my joy at creating things, and my desire to connect at the heart level with others. My dreams point to the traits He created in me to accomplish the purposes for which He put me on this earth.

Those purposes are a combination of glorifying Him, bringing others to Him, and Him loving on me as His daughter.

Yes, I am here for His plan. However, I am not simply a robot that is programmed to do His bidding. I am a beloved child who is invited on adventures with my Father: (<====Click to tweet.)

Like writing words of freedom in this space that invite all of you to join in on the joy of adventuring with our Dad.

Like gathering kindred spirits around a table for some salted caramel mochas and soul conversations.

Like offering a safe space for those who are wounded and struggling to tell their stories out loud to a compassionate listener.

Like touring Italy for the sheer enjoyment of its rich artistic and religious heritage.

Like simply reminding you that you are amazing and amazingly loved just for who you are, wherever you are right now.

As God drew me close to Him through prayer and the loving company of sisters who know Him well, my misconceptions about Him fell away. As I began to embrace Him and the person He made me to be, I began to embrace dreaming too.

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About Mandy Mianecki

Mandy Mianecki is a wife and mom of 4. The storms of life have taught her to put her nets out into the deep, seeking the superabundance that life in Christ promises. She is passionate about encouraging others in their healing journeys from brokenness to wholeness; in uncovering their unique kind of God-breathed brilliance; and in living in the freedom won by Christ. When she’s not writing, Mandy is still dreaming God-sized dreams, which usually involve making art, wearing turquoise, and eyeing a nearby jar of Nutella. She blogs at Hearts Undaunted or you can connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

Comments

Mandy, I’m so glad you wrote these words! I felt that way too . . afraid to dream. Not even sure if I was supposed to. I’m so grateful for the freedom I’ve found to pursue my hearts deep desires with the assurance of my Father’s pleasure! (BTW, Holley’s post today and yours really compliment one another.) Thank you!

I used to think dreams were only for people that could afford to have them, not for someone like me. Boy, has He proved me wrong. I don’t have to have a ton of money or time, He can use me right where I am…and that’s enough.

Thank you for your encouraging words Mandy. Lately all my dreams have been crushed. Became homeless after a divorce from a 31 year marriage, I had decided, like you that maybe it wasn’t what a Christian should do, to dream. But after reading your blog, I think maybe God wants me to change my dreams. God bless!

Deanna, I am so sorry for your pain. I am so glad that you stopped by to read here so that we can encourage you. Yes, God has dreams for you! He created you to partner with Him in a way that only you can, I’m praying for you and your heart, that God will grow those dreams in you and draw you close to Himself. Please keep coming back here to be filled back up, and let us know how it is going!